Cambridge striker Armand One linked up with Middlesbrough yesterday as the striker took the first steps towards realising his Premiership dream.

The highly-rated Frenchman, who celebrated his 19th birthday on Friday, is training with the Teessiders this week following a series of favourable scouting reports in recent months.

One has claimed nine goals from 22 starts following his September switch from French champions Nantes and Boro representatives have been regular visitors to the Abbey Stadium this year.

Sources in Cambridge insist a fee has already been discussed between Boro and the Second Division outfit but Riverside officials last night played down any suggestion of a transfer deadline swoop.

"Armand is here for a few of days and he will train with the first team squad," a club spokesman said. "He may return to Cambridge before the end of the week but it is an opportunity for the coaching staff to take a look at him."

The 6ft 4in hitman has already been branded the `new Dion Dublin' by Cambridge fans who have taken the Paris-born player to their hearts after his instant impression on English football. Boro are one of a number of top flight sides monitoring his progress and he has been described as the most exciting prospect in the Second Division since Lomana Lua Lua burst on to the scene at Colchester.

Ex-Cambridge boss John Beck described the One deal as `the coup of the century' when he paid Nantes £30,000 for the youngster. There is no doubt that Cambridge will look for a seven-figure sum. Boro may well be prepared to meet the asking price if the striker impresses this week. And Cambridge boss John Taylor confirmed: "Armand is there with a view to a permanent move.

"Boro have seen him in a few games and like what they've seen. He's going to train with them and it's up to the boy and how he performs during his time there."

One has hit five goals in this season's LDV Vans Trophy and, following a series of minor injuries, is keen to try his luck at the highest level. But Boro may yet face competition from French clubs, including Paris-Saint Germain.